By Benson Daniel
Olympique Lyonnais’ proposed move for AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana has collapsed despite the two clubs reaching an agreement for the French international earlier on deadline day.
Lyon had agreed to sign the 27 year old midfielder on a season long loan from AC Milan, with the deal including an option to make the transfer permanent for €12 million.
The agreement had appeared set to go through after Lyon worked to create sufficient room on its wage bill to register the player. Fofana was expected to undergo his medical before completing the move back to Ligue 1.
However, the transfer ultimately fell apart after Lyon failed to free the required squad and financial space before the French transfer deadline.
The situation was linked to the future of Lyon defender Nicolas Tagliafico, whose proposed departure to Atlético Madrid had not been completed in time. Lyon had needed to create room in its squad and wage structure before registering Fofana.
Fofana had been waiting for the green light to complete his departure from AC Milan after being informed that he was no longer part of the club’s plans. He had also been left out of Milan’s squad at the beginning of the new Serie A campaign.
The midfielder had been keen on returning to France, with Lyon emerging as his preferred destination after interest from clubs including Galatasaray and Besiktas.
Fofana joined AC Milan from Monaco in 2024 and has made more than 70 appearances for the Italian club. Before his move to Milan, he established himself as an important midfielder at Monaco after beginning his senior career at Strasbourg.
He has also earned 25 caps for France and scored three international goals, although his most recent appearance for Les Bleus came in 2024.
The collapse of the Lyon move leaves Fofana facing an uncertain immediate future at Milan. The Italian club had been actively seeking a solution for the midfielder after he was informed that he was not part of the plans of manager Ruben Amorim.
For Lyon, the failed deal represents a major disappointment after the club had managed to reach an agreement with Milan and the player.
The French club had been attempting to strengthen its midfield before the transfer window closed, but its financial restrictions meant that incoming transfers were dependent on departures.
With the deadline passing before the necessary space was created, Fofana could not be registered as a Lyon player.
AC Milan will now have to assess the midfielder’s situation following the collapse of the proposed move, while Lyon will continue with its existing midfield options.
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